How the Test is Performed

You will usually be asked to give a small urine sample while at your doctor's office.

In rare cases, you will have to collect all of your urine at home for 24 hours. To do this, you will get a special container from your doctor and specific instructions to follow.

To make the test more accurate, urine creatinine level may also be measured. Creatinine is a chemical waste product of creatine. Creatine is a chemical made by the body that is used to supply energy to muscles.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

Why the Test is Performed

People with diabetes have a high risk of kidney damage. The "filters" in the kidneys, called nephrons, slowly thicken and become scarred over time. The nephrons begin to leak protein into the urine. This kidney damage can also happen years before any diabetes symptoms begin. In the early stages of kidney problems, blood tests may be normal.

If you have diabetes, you should have this test each year. The test checks for signs of early kidney problems.

If this test shows that you are starting to have a kidney problem, you can get treatment before the problem gets worse. People with severe kidney damage may need dialysis. They may eventually need a new kidney (kidney transplant).

Normal Results

Normally, albumin stays in the body. There is little or no albumin in the urine sample. Normal albumin levels in the urine are less than 30 mg/24 hours.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

If the test finds a high level of albumin in your urine, your doctor may have you repeat the test.

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